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Delaware • Neurological/Developmental
People with intellectual disabilities in Delaware can qualify for Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and other supports. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and disability status. Delaware offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, and ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits.
People with intellectual disabilities may qualify for federal benefits like Medicaid, SSI, and SSDI. For Medicaid, you must meet income and disability criteria. SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both SSI and SSDI require proof of disability, which for intellectual disability means significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that started before age 22. Medicaid and SSI have strict income and resource limits, but SSDI does not. Medicaid waivers are available for people who need long-term care services but want to live in the community instead of an institution. [^1][^2][^3]
In Delaware, people with intellectual disabilities can get Medicaid if they meet federal and state requirements. Delaware uses the federal definition of disability for Medicaid and SSI. The state offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which help people live independently. To qualify for these waivers, you must have a diagnosis of intellectual disability and need the level of care provided in an institution. Income and resource limits apply, but some programs have higher limits for people with disabilities. Delaware also offers ABLE accounts, which let people save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Children with intellectual disabilities may qualify for Medicaid through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or other state programs. [^4][^5][^6]
Delaware’s ABLE program lets people with intellectual disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $16,000 per year (2025 limit) and up to $100,000 total without losing SSI. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. To open an account, you must have a diagnosis of intellectual disability and meet the Social Security definition of disability. [^8]
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. Medicaid waivers may have higher income limits for people with disabilities. ABLE accounts do not have income limits, but you must meet the Social Security definition of disability to open one. [^1][^2][^8]
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the agencies that provide your benefits. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. Overpayments can happen if you do not report changes or if you get benefits you are not eligible for. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away to set up a repayment plan. [^9]
Contact the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services or the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for help with your application. Local disability advocacy organizations can also provide support.
SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require proof of disability, but SSDI does not have strict income or resource limits. SSI also provides Medicaid in most states.
You can apply for Medicaid online, by phone, or in person through the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. You will need proof of disability, income, and resources. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.
Medicaid waivers let people with intellectual disabilities get long-term care services in the community instead of an institution. Services may include personal care, respite, and supported employment. To qualify, you must have a diagnosis of intellectual disability and need the level of care provided in an institution.
Yes, you can work and still get SSI or Medicaid. There are work incentives and special rules that let you keep benefits while you work. For example, the first $85 of earned income is not counted for SSI, and you can save money in an ABLE account without losing benefits.
An ABLE account lets people with intellectual disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. You must meet the Social Security definition of disability to open one.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always check with official agencies for the most current information.
You must report changes in income or living situation to the agencies that provide your benefits. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, dental, vision, and long-term care services for people with intellectual disabilities in Delaware. Medicaid waivers may cover additional services like personal care and supported employment.
Yes, children with intellectual disabilities can get Medicaid in Delaware if they meet income and disability requirements. They may also qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if they do not qualify for Medicaid.
The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Delaware does not have a separate SSI income limit.
You can get help with the application process from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Social Security Administration, or local disability advocacy organizations. They can help you fill out forms and gather required documents.
